misteroman Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 (edited) Hate to do this but I guess it's for the best. Brief history . My Dad always had 63-65 rivieras when I was growing up and wanted to do a perfect one for his retirement. Found a 1 owner, red/black GS in Ohio and went down and purchased in 97 or 98. Dropped it off to the restorers to do a frame off and that's when the nightmare began. Long story short the guy did a horrible job on car. Losing parts, timeframe, etc. Guy even had his house foreclosed during timeframe. My Dad finally got the car back in 11 with a judgement and just parked it in driveway with a FS sign on it and sold it because by then he hated the car and everything that went with it. Long story short my Dad died shortly after. Fast forward to last winter. I actually bought the car back and wanted to restore it right for him, even if he wasn't around anymore. Im transferring to the corvette plant in a cpl of weeks and just realizing that it's never going to happen. Even though I'm a "car Guy", I really don't know much about working or or even restoring a 50 yr old car. Maybe I'm not a car Guy after all. Anyways, here's the details on the car. 65 GS. Has a 66 425 block so not sure what the history was before 98 but that's what came with it. Maybe warranteed. Has all the other GS stuff like finned valve covers, dual intake, carbs, tranny and rear end as well. Even has that acorn nut thing. Have receipts from when my Dad had Enginge and tranny rebuilt and people I've read them to said it sounds like he did it right. About 10k on those since redone. Car is very solid including underneth and i have pics I will post. Starting to get some rust behind back wheels though. Seats are pretty much perfect. Dash has one tiny hairline split about 2" long. He had custom door panels made too to match car. No front carpet but back looks new. Bumpers are show chrome and still look mint. Has the riviera spoke wheels and they are nice. Any other questions or pictures I can take for you let me know. Just took these a few mins ago. I didn't bother washing or whatever, just a raw car. Pic from underneath was from last year I guess when he was having something fixed on exhaust. Sold....😢 Derek Edited October 19, 2019 by misteroman Spelling and price (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 5, 2019 Author Share Posted September 5, 2019 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 5, 2019 Author Share Posted September 5, 2019 Here is a pic of the car when purchased Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ62 Posted September 7, 2019 Share Posted September 7, 2019 I'm interested. Where is the car located? Do you have a picture of the data plate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 7, 2019 Author Share Posted September 7, 2019 (edited) WNY. Is the data plate the 2x4ish plate thing under the hood? If so I can take a pic in the morning. Edited September 7, 2019 by misteroman (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telriv Posted September 7, 2019 Share Posted September 7, 2019 YES Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 7, 2019 Author Share Posted September 7, 2019 Trim tag. Let me know if ya Need anything else. Curious as to what the tag shows for info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivdrivn Posted September 7, 2019 Share Posted September 7, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, misteroman said: Trim tag. Let me know if ya Need anything else. Curious as to what the tag shows for info. Very well optioned. No rear defrost, but it has power vent windows. End of October production . Originally white exterior, black deluxe interior. Edited September 7, 2019 by Rivdrivn (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 7, 2019 Author Share Posted September 7, 2019 I actually tried the driver side the other day and it actually worked lol. Was kinda surprised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Balzer Posted September 8, 2019 Share Posted September 8, 2019 misteroman You asked: "Curious as to what the tag shows for info." Your tag reads EXNTS 2KR 3T 4F 5KW E=EZ GLASS, ALL X=PWR WINDOWS N=PWR VENT WINDOWS T=4-WAY PWR DRVRS SEAT S=REMOTE TRUNK RELEASE 2K= A/C 2R=REAR SEAT SPEAKER 3T=REAR CENTER ARM REST 4F=REMOTE MIRROR 5K=DOOR GUARD MOLDING 5W=SEAT BELTS WITH RETRACTOR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 8, 2019 Author Share Posted September 8, 2019 Am I off on the price here guys?? I look at other 65s and people seemed to be asking 4-5k ish for total project cars. I was debating on parting out due to all the money there seems to be wth GS parts much less allege other stuff that is very nice on the car but would like to keep it together. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted September 8, 2019 Share Posted September 8, 2019 14 hours ago, Craig Balzer said: misteroman You asked: "Curious as to what the tag shows for info." Your tag reads EXNTS 2KR 3T 4F 5KW E=EZ GLASS, ALL X=PWR WINDOWS N=PWR VENT WINDOWS T=4-WAY PWR DRVRS SEAT S=REMOTE TRUNK RELEASE 2K= A/C 2R=REAR SEAT SPEAKER 3T=REAR CENTER ARM REST 4F=REMOTE MIRROR 5K=DOOR GUARD MOLDING 5W=SEAT BELTS WITH RETRACTOR It also needs to be realized that only the options installed at the Fisher Body plant appear on this data plate. There are other options that will be installed during final assembly. These you need to be aware of and just look for them on the car. Unless you happen to be fortunate enough to have the window sticker for your car like some folks do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKRIV Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 Options installed at the Fisher Body plant appear on this data plate. I assume that the GRAN SPORT emblem on the glove box is fitted at the Fisher Body plant. How come this option is not listed on the data plate? Or was it fitted at the Buick assembly plant? Tom Kunek 2 x 65 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 (edited) Dash boards, radios, tilt wheels, and fender ornamentation along with engine and transmission, tires and wheels, and chassis and suspension were done as part of final assembly. If no special tabs, holes, grommets, etc. were required, they were not done at Fisher Body. Look at the list of options on the plate and you can figure out that something special in the way of a hole, tab, or bracket was needed so it was prepped for that option at Fisher Body. Windows and seats and some other interior items were installed at Fisher Body. Gord Wolfgang wrote a great two issue article, complete with pictures, that appeared in the Riview a year or so ago. Complete explanation as to how every thing was "married" before leaving the plants for transport. 66 and 67 bodies were built in Euclid, OH then put on a truck and sent to Flint, MI for final assembly. That's why 63 - 65 Rivieras have an FB (Fisher Body) data plate number and 66 and 67 Rivieras have an EU (Euclid) data plate number. Read Gord's articles for the full story. Hey guys, If you're not an ROA member, you're missing out on a bunch of needed data. Edited September 9, 2019 by RivNut (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsgun Posted September 10, 2019 Share Posted September 10, 2019 On 9/8/2019 at 1:33 PM, misteroman said: Am I off on the price here guys?? I look at other 65s and people seemed to be asking 4-5k ish for total project cars. I was debating on parting out due to all the money there seems to be wth GS parts much less allege other stuff that is very nice on the car but would like to keep it together. Thoughts? I don't think you're off at all. I paid 9K for my 64 that had been sitting for 10 yrs. That was a good deal in SoCal pricing. Bad paint, some interior issues, and lots of wiring issues. If you can prove it's a GS, it's a great deal. I'd buy it in a heartbeat if I was in the market. I wouldn't part it out. You'll extract some more money from it, depending on how much you value your time spent taking it apart. But once a car is parted out, it rarely goes back together, so it's basically junked after that. That's way too nice of a car for that fate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 10, 2019 Author Share Posted September 10, 2019 Not sure how to prove it's a GS other than bought it off original owners widow and son and they said it was and it was his baby that he would never sell. 2 well known WNY ROA guys know the car well. I spoke to the one who advertises in the Riview and he verified that it was a 66 block but it had the tranny, suspension and or rear end of a GS. Not sure an 80yr old guy would clone a GS in the 80s or 90s but who knows. Found some more pics I will post too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 10, 2019 Author Share Posted September 10, 2019 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 12, 2019 Author Share Posted September 12, 2019 Price reduced to 9k😔 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 17, 2019 Author Share Posted September 17, 2019 Price reduced to 8k.......😕 Leaving for KY sat morning. Would like to sell before I go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivdrivn Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 (edited) On 9/17/2019 at 9:21 AM, misteroman said: Price reduced to 8k.......😕 Leaving for KY sat morning. Would like to sell before I go. Have you tried the ROA Facebook page? Lots of activity there. Also the Riview classifieds and Craigslist or Ebay Edited September 19, 2019 by Rivdrivn (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 20, 2019 Author Share Posted September 20, 2019 ROA facebook might work but a little late now I guess. Trying to get out of going to KY if we ate still on strike. We'llsee tomorrow what happens but as of now(thurs night) I'm leaving at 10am on Sat. D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KongaMan Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 If I may make a perhaps unwanted, tactless, and/or confrontational observation... This is what kills you: "Dropped it off to the restorers to do a frame off and that's when the nightmare began. Long story short the guy did a horrible job on car." That tells the potential buyer that he's possibly walking into the worst-case scenario: a hacked and bodged restoration. Not only is the buyer faced with fixing the normal things, he's likely also faced with fixing someone else's slipshod work. And that's even worse. To be blunt about it, it's worth less now than before the restoration started, because one must assume that any work that was done will need to be redone, and at time and cost greater than otherwise required. It's not quite down to parts car, but a sober appraisal of the potential work places it somewhere between that and an unrestored survivor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 21, 2019 Author Share Posted September 21, 2019 Lol while a PM may have been better, I don't disagree with you. The biggest nightmare was that it took 11 years to redo it but it is what it is. The car is still pretty rock solid and has some good parts and is a true GS even tho I guess there is no "proof".... Leaving for the corvette plant to start the next chapter in my life at 9am tomorrow and car will be left behind. Not selling the house til next spring so I guess I have a little time to figure things out. Would like it to go to a good home to be completed but I guess we'll see what the future holds. D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted September 28, 2019 Author Share Posted September 28, 2019 "FRONT CARB is 3645 SB and REAR CARB is 3925 SA." after reading that from the carburetor thread and seeing where numbers were located, i went out and checked. The car has the correct 2 carbs on it. D 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted October 1, 2019 Share Posted October 1, 2019 On 9/6/2019 at 10:36 PM, JJ62 said: Where is the car located?... On 9/7/2019 at 12:39 AM, misteroman said: WNY. ... Wow! Is the car really in western North Yemen? Maybe the distance is hindering your sale... 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted October 1, 2019 Author Share Posted October 1, 2019 Western NY. Getting close to starting to part out which would be a shame...... Floors, trunk, fenders, doors, and trunk are ROCK solid. Bumpers are perfect upon quick inspection. All Seats are perfect. Dash is nice. Engine and tranny both rebuilt with receipts. Correct GS tranny, suspension, carbs, intake ,and chrome breather. Rear end/suspension. Etc etc, etc...... D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivdrivn Posted October 1, 2019 Share Posted October 1, 2019 6 minutes ago, misteroman said: Western NY. Getting close to starting to part out which would be a shame...... Floors, trunk, fenders, doors, and trunk are ROCK solid. Bumpers are perfect upon quick inspection. All Seats are perfect. Dash is nice. Engine and tranny both rebuilt with receipts. Correct GS tranny, suspension, carbs, intake ,and chrome breather. Rear end/suspension. Etc etc, etc...... D So when you criticize the past restoration attempt, be clear about whether that misadventure is a liability moving forward, i.e., did they do any damage to the car that the next owner will have to deal with. If not, a clarification may allay fears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted October 1, 2019 Author Share Posted October 1, 2019 Some headaches.... Took 11 yrs to finish Lost dash pad. Dad had to buy new one. Got wrong paint first time. Made my Dad rebuy Ran outta restoration materials with no money to rebuy. Made my Dad rebuy. He Had house foreclosed on during resto, had to have car towed to new house. Lost numerous washers, nuts, bolts, clips, needed money to buy new ones Etc etc etc etc The nightmare was dealing with a lazy trash bag for 11 yrs and my Dad was so disgusted by the process when the car came home he sold it for probably 20% of what he had into it. Just typing this boils my blood of what a scumbag he is and that my Dad never had his final riv to enjoy at the end. ......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsgun Posted October 2, 2019 Share Posted October 2, 2019 My 64 had a similar experience. The previous owners sent out for paint, and the paint guy decided he wanted to keep the car. They had to get the cops involved to get it back. The clearcoat started peeling within a year. The interior guy didn't want to finish the car, they had to force him to get it done, so the last stages were crap. Did the seats and door panels really well, but there was overspray everywhere and the carpet fit really badly. I think it was that guy that stole the GS valve covers, the air cleaner, and a couple pieces of trim. One of them took pliers to the fuel line trying to sabotage it. I found a piece that was pinched almost flat. They drove it about 200 miles, and had a wiring fire, and got sick of it and parked it for 10 years. Given the circumstances of your story, unless it's anything that affects the car, I wouldn't mention it in the ad. Maybe as a story to a serious buyer. I'm honestly surprised it hasn't sold. If I was in the market, i'd be seriously after it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsgun Posted October 2, 2019 Share Posted October 2, 2019 (edited) 6 hours ago, misteroman said: Western NY. Getting close to starting to part out which would be a shame...... Floors, trunk, fenders, doors, and trunk are ROCK solid. Bumpers are perfect upon quick inspection. All Seats are perfect. Dash is nice. Engine and tranny both rebuilt with receipts. Correct GS tranny, suspension, carbs, intake ,and chrome breather. Rear end/suspension. Etc etc, etc...... D Unless you're desperate for money, please don't part it out. I've been told by a couple of friends they've had great success selling cars on "Offerup". I'd ask more for the car, and let people talk you down to the minimum you'd accept. Also, consider a consignment classic car dealer. They handle the selling, for a slice of the pie. Edited October 2, 2019 by jsgun (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted October 2, 2019 Author Share Posted October 2, 2019 Definitely don't need the money just more of an annoyance now. After realizing what every one said about not buying it back since he hated it, it's time to move on. Not going to spend 50-75k redoing a car that my Dad kindof hated at the end. Doesnt really make sense. No reputable classic car dealer is going to consign a car like this. If it does come to the point where I still have it when we list our house up here in March, I will bring to KY and part it. I should be able to get a decent amount for a rebuilt 425 dual quad engine with original carbs,manifold, finned valve covers , and the chrome breather. Add to that the rebuilt original GS tranny should bring an ok amount as well. Sell the car as a complete pretty solid roller to someone with and extra 350 engine and tranny and all will be happy lol. Just a shame honestly and sad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted October 2, 2019 Author Share Posted October 2, 2019 On 9/7/2019 at 11:46 AM, Rivdrivn said: Very well optioned. No rear defrost, but it has power vent windows. End of October production . Originally white exterior, black deluxe interior. And I'm pretty sure this is another of the scumbag painters screwups......... Car was def a red black GS from day one. The "parts car" he made my Dad buy was a white 65. No doubt in my mind he lost the trim tag too and put the one from the white car on there.!!!!! Guess we should be happy he at least saved or didn't lose the VIN tags..... I will say one thing, if I wasnt a Christian.......... I'll let you guys take it from there. Now I'm all angry again and going to pursue that judgement against him . D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1965rivgs Posted October 2, 2019 Share Posted October 2, 2019 1 minute ago, misteroman said: And I'm pretty sure this is another of the scumbag painters screwups......... Car was def a red black GS from day one. The "parts car" he made my Dad buy was a white 65. No doubt in my mind he lost the trim tag too and put the one from the white car on there.!!!!! Guess we should be happy he at least saved or didn't lose the VIN tags..... I will say one thing, if I wasnt a Christian.......... I'll let you guys take it from there. Now I'm all angry again and going to pursue that judgement against him . D What are the engine and trans codes ? Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted October 2, 2019 Author Share Posted October 2, 2019 Where would I find those at? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1965rivgs Posted October 2, 2019 Share Posted October 2, 2019 25 minutes ago, misteroman said: Where would I find those at? The engine code and production number is just to the rear of the water manifold/thermostat housing on the lifter valley cover mounting surface on the passenger side. The partial VIN stamp is on the same surface but on the drivers side. Re the trans there should be an ID plate on the passenger side of the case just above the trans pan mounting surface. If you can read the tag all info on the tag is important. A picture of both is worth a thousand words.... Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted October 2, 2019 Share Posted October 2, 2019 Here's an illustration of where to find the code numbers on your engine. The Engine Production Code is where the 1965 LX will be stamped. The L and the X might not be as close together as shown. In this illustration, the MT is a 1966 401. In 1965, the L would be for 1965 and the X would be for the Super Wildcat engine The Engine Serial Number matches the VIN on the body The data plate for the transmission is on the passenger's side. Looks like this. You're looking for the correct date and code numbers stamped into the plate as well as painted on (if the paint is still there.) Keep in mind that there are only three differences between an LX coded engine and and a LW coded engine. The distributor, the carbs, and the pulley for the air conditioner. The camshaft, pistons, and other internals are all the same. An LX coded engine is only really of value if it's in the car with the matching VIN. Otherwise, on your LW, modify your distributor, and add another carb, and you'll have the same power output. The a/c pulley is only different because of the 3.42 rear end. Any ST400 transmission can be modified to raise the shift points and firm up the shifts. I'm not trying to burst your bubble but letting you know that just because a block has the LX stamp on it doesn't make it desirable (unless you have the VIN to go with it.) Externally, the finned covers and dual snorkel air cleaner will be worth something but those can be found on eBay individually as well or as in the case of the finned covers, they're being reproduced.. The complete package is synergistic - The sum of the parts will not be equal to the whole product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted October 2, 2019 Author Share Posted October 2, 2019 Very confident that its not an lx block. Pretty sure its a LW or whatever the 425 was in 66. Not sure what I'll be able to see on the tranny due to limited clearance Where it's parked. I know the guy that bought it off my Dad had it checked out by the 2 big buick guys in WNY and they verified the rest being correct for a 65GS He's on his way over to drop off the rest of the stuff for it. I will pick his brain a little more for anymore info of there is any. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted October 10, 2019 Author Share Posted October 10, 2019 Just got home from KY last night as we're still on strike and they let me come home to see family which is awesome as they can't come down til end of year. Price reduced to 7k and will be here a week or so if anyone needs any pictures or such. Thanks Derek 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ62 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 Where specifically is the car located? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misteroman Posted October 17, 2019 Author Share Posted October 17, 2019 Gasport ny 14067 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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